Not even 24 hours after news broke the club had sacked the incumbent seven months into the job, the Demons have locked in a new chief executive.
On Wednesday morning, Stan executive director Dan Taylor was announced as Paul Guerra’s replacement. He will start later in the year after a transition period at the Aussie streaming giant, which is owned by Nine, the publisher of this masthead.
In an internal email to Stan staff, the Sydney-based Taylor said the Demons role was an opportunity too good to refuse.
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“The opportunity for me to return home to Victoria, and lead the club that I have supported since I was a child, is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up, and a journey my family are extremely excited to embark on,” he said.
Nine’s managing director of streaming and broadcast Amanda Laing confirmed Taylor’s departure and said she “couldn’t be happier for him”.
Stan boss Dan Taylor is joining the Melbourne Demons as CEO. Getty
“Seeing our leaders step into such iconic roles outside the media is something we can all be proud of,” she said in an internal email to Stan staff.
The shock news of Guerra’s axing broke on Tuesday afternoon. Brian Cook, the former West Coast, Geelong and Carlton CEO, had been mentoring Guerra and will replace him at the Demons in an interim role.
Guerra had been in the role only seven months, and told 9News Melbourne he was “puzzled” and had engaged lawyers over the move.
“It’s been a challenging day. I’m puzzled by the decision made by the board today,” he said.
“I’m really proud of the team that we’ve put together in a really short period of time and I’m really proud of my role in the success of the club.
“I have engaged lawyers and there’s not much more I can say at this point.”
Outgoing Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra. Nine
Melbourne president Steven Smith released a statement following the decision.
“On behalf of Melbourne Football Club, I thank Paul for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future,” Smith said.
“Brian is a highly respected operator and with over 35 years of experience in AFL clubs he will provide much needed leadership and guidance through this period.
“We are pleased that Brian has agreed to step into the role in an interim capacity until a permanent CEO can commence.”
The statement provided no clarity on the reason for his dismissal.
Reports on Tuesday suggested the board’s call was unanimous. Players were unaware of the impending change.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon (left) and Paul Guerra. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Guerra’s reported departure comes after he, head coach Steven King and footy boss Alan Richardson held a video meeting with about 15 partners of the players in February that the club has since admitted “caused distress” and apologised for.
According to SEN, a whistleblower on the call claimed confidentiality had been breached concerning the relationship between Steven May and his partner, Sachi Dade. It was alleged that inappropriate information was shared.
May was on personal leave from the club at the time and police had attended a private residence on January 29 to carry out a welfare check.
The Demons and May split in March when the premiership defender retired.
“The meeting sought to provide reassurance of the club’s commitment to supporting the families as well as the playing group,” said a club statement released in April.
“Whilst it was not our intent, we acknowledge the meeting has caused distress and for that the club is sorry.”
Wide World of Sports is not suggesting the controversial video meeting and Guerra’s reported departure are related.
Guerra was the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry prior to being appointed as Demons CEO.
Wide World of Sports contacted Melbourne for comment regarding the fresh Guerra reports.